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Match report for Sat 12th Sep 2009 @ 14:00, 1st XV

Farnham Royal welcomed Redingensians 4th XV to Farnham Park as the first competitive fixture of the 09/10 season.

Summary

Farnham Royal welcomed Redingensians 4th XV to Farnham Park as the first competitive fixture of the 09/10 season. With bright sunshine and the pitch in good condition players and spectators were looking forward to a game of running rugby. The Royals were significantly under strength with 20+ players missing from the 1st team squad. Although the players called up competed and competed well, it was clear that there was no cohesion and team structure. At times there were glimpses of the potential for this team, however a lack of discipline let the side down and resulted in a loss 34-10 to Redingensians.

1st Half

From the kick off Farnham gave a penalty away, at the resulting scrum the Farnham pack were pushed a good 5 metres back. This was to set the tone for the scrum throughout the game, Redingensians clearly had the technique and a settled pack to dominate the weakened Farnham pack at the scrum, with the scrum regularly wheeling off the Farnham tighthead. In the loose and at the lineout Farnham competed well, winning ball off the Redingensians throw and regularly turning over ball at the ruck. The first points of the half were scored in dramatic fashion when Farnham fly half Dean Isennia miskicked his attempt to clear the Farnham line, the resulting kick went backwards and across the pitch from right to left, ala a cross field kick, for the Redingensians winger to collect and score.

Dean did manage to make amends soon after, following a typical searing break from Rob Freeman from his own 22, Dean supported well to score a try to level the scoring. A period of Farnham pressure ensued with the forwards camped on the Redingensains line for 5 minutes, sadly excellent defence and a lack of correct decision making meant the pressure was not converted into points.

2nd Half

In the second half Farnham let themselves down with a succession of penalties and lack of concentration. Numerous soft scores were gifted to Redingensians who, on balance, came away worthy victors. The Farnham highlight of the half was provided by Rob Freeman, scoring an excellent solo try with a break round the fringe and a step inside the fullback. The resulting conversion was missed by Dean Isennia.